Man killed family’s pets when he set fire to their home, police say
Police in Gastonia are looking for a man who they said set fire to an occupied house, killing a family’s dog and rabbit.
Gaston County Police said the man, James Richard Pruitt Jr., set fire to the mobile home the morning of June 11. Two adults and a 3-year-old child were able to escape the house, but their pet dog and rabbit died, police said.
The fire destroyed the home, according to police.
Pruitt faces three charges of attempted murder, as well as two charges of felony animal cruelty. Pruitt also faces a charge of first degree arson, police said.
Anyone with information can call a detective at 704-866-3320 or Gaston County Crimestoppers at 704-861-8000.
LaVendrick Smith; 704-358-5101; @LaVendrickS
This story was originally published June 13, 2017 at 7:55 PM with the headline "Man killed family’s pets when he set fire to their home, police say."